ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 87.66 Cr
More than 54.13 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 97.83%; Highest since March 2020
18,870 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload  is 0.84% of Total Cases
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 96 days
With the administration of 54,13,332 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 87.66 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 85,33,076 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,03,72,249
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2nd Dose
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88,66,949
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,83,50,759
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2nd Dose
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1,49,20,275
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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35,52,19,972
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2nd Dose
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7,89,51,672
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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15,82,40,987
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2nd Dose
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7,55,11,327
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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10,06,79,594
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2nd Dose
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5,55,49,706
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Total
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87,66,63,490
The recovery of 28,178 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,29,86,180.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.83%. Recovery Rate is currently at its highest peak since March 2020.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 94 consecutive days now.
India reports less than 20,000 daily new cases for the second successive day. 18,870 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload is presently 2,82,520, which is the lowest in 194 days.Active cases presently constitute 0.84% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
15,04,713tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 56.74 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 1.82% remains less than 3% for the last 96 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be1.25%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below3% for last 30 days and below 5% for 113 consecutive days now.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Yoga Session organized at Khalsa College on International Yoga Day
An initiative by the Central Bureau of Communication, Amritsar and 1 Punjab Battalion of NCC, Amritsar
Colonel RN Sinha graced the occasion as chief guest
International Yoga Day was celebrated at Khalsa College with the aim of promoting yoga for a healthy life. In this yoga session organized by the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with 1 Punjab Battalion of NCC Amritsar, Common Yoga Protocols  'Asanas' were demonstrated under the guidance of yog gurus.
Colonel R.N. Sinha graced the occasion as chief guest. He said that this is a good initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to make people aware about Yoga. He said that Yoga is a significant part of human’s life. So, everyone should carry forward the initiative taken on International Yoga Day. Colonel Sinha said that people should be motivated more and more for Yoga, so that they can live a healthy life.
At the same time, Subedar Major Sukhbir Singh said that for the last few years, the International Yoga Day has not only boosted the popularity of Yoga, but has also expanded its geographical presence by encouraging people for practicing it on daily basis. He said that several diseases can be avoided through Yoga. While understanding its benefits, making yoga a part of your life is the need of the hour.”
Lieutenant Anil Kumar, Lieutenant Ajay Chauhan, Lieutenant Harbilas, Subedar Gurpreet Singh, Training Officer Sukhpal Singh and Yoga Instructor Sunil Kumar were also present on this occasion. Along with this, all the guests including the chief guest were felicitated and the winners of various competitions were also honoured.
Millions of people are introduced to Yoga as part of the International Yoga Day celebrations every year. The yoga session organized at Khalsa College under the same series was successful and received overwhelming response from the people.
Ministry of Education
Union Education Minister’s reply to the discussion on demand for Grants of Ministry of Education for Year 2021-22
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal‘Nishank’ replied to the discussion on the demand for Grants of Ministry of Education for Year 2021-22, in LokSabha on 16th March, 2021.
Speaking on National Education Policy 2020, Union Minister said NEP will build strong foundations for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and help India claim its status as a Vishwaguru.ShriPokhriyal emphasized that NEP was formulated after holding broadbase and wider consultations with every stakeholders including teachers, students, academicians, parents and students among others.
The Minister said that NEP is national, international, impactful, interactive, innovative and inclusive and is based on firm foundations of equity, quality and accessibility. He spoke about features of NEP 2020 which includes imparting vocational education from class 6 onwards, Progress Card in place of report card, 5+3+3+4 structure, multidisciplinary education with easy entry/exit options and academic bank of credit.ShriPokhriyal also added that several countries have acknowledged NEP as the biggest reform of the world.
Speaking on the Budget allocation for Education for year 2021-22, ShriPokhriyal said that for Department of School Education and literacy, total budget allocation in BE 2021-22 is Rs 54873.66 crore, which is an increase of Rs 2,684.59 crore as compared to RE Budget allocation in 2020-21. For Department of Higher Education, the total Budget allocation in BE 2021-22 is Rs. 38350.65crore, which is an increase of Rs. 5450.65 crore as compared to RE Budget allocation for the year 2020-21. Speaking about Government’s impetus to boosting research and innovation, Minister mentioned about National Research Foundation. He also said that there is a shift from package culture to patent culture among students now.
Enumerating initiative and efforts taken by the government to ensure continuity of education during challenging times of covid, ShriPokhriyal said education was provided via Online and Digital mediums throughSwayam, SwayamPrabha, E Pathshala, DIKSHA. He also mentioned that Manodarpan Portal was launched to provide 247 counselling services to the students.Board Exams and competitive exams  were conducted successfully, he added.
Minister also highlighted that in year 2019-20, 8.19 lakh students were being provided education through IGNOU, while the figure was 3.98 lakh students in year 2013-14. Number of Research Scholars in Higher Education in the year 2019-20 stood at 2.02 lakhs while it was 1.07 lakh in year 2013-14, he added.
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister extends best wishes on Marathwada Liberation Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended best wishes on Marathwada Liberation Day.
He has also remembered indomitable passion and bravery of all those who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
"मराठवाडा मुक्तीसंग्राम दिनाच्या शुभेच्छा. मराठवाडा मुक्तिसंग्रामामध्ये आपल्या प्राणांची आहुती देणाऱ्या सर्वांच्या स्वातंत्र्यप्राप्तीच्या अदम्य ध्यासाचे आणि शौर्याचे स्मरण करतो. या भूमीसोबत आणि येथील जनतेसोबत असलेल्या त्यांच्या अविचल बांधिलकीने इतिहासाच्या वाटचालीला दिशा दिली. त्यांचे शौर्य आणि त्याग आपल्याला सातत्याने प्रेरणा देत आहे."
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti.
“सावित्रीबाई फुले की जन्म जयंती पर उन्हें सादर नमन। उन्होंने सामाजिक एकता, शिक्षा और महिला सशक्तिकरण के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। सामाजिक चेतना के
लिए उनका संघर्ष देशवासियों को सदा प्रेरित करता रहेगा। “, Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
National Trust to organize a one-day National Level Exhibition at Dr.Ambedkar International Centre New Delhi on 3rd March to showcase talents and skills of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The National Trust is organizing a one-day National Level Exhibition on 3rd March 2023, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities is a statutory body constituted by an Act of Parliament, in 1999.
Exhibition will be inaugurated at 10:00 AM by the Chairperson, National Trust, and Secretary, DEPwD Shri Rajesh Aggarwal. During the Exhibition, Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will showcase their talents and skills in the form of a Cultural programme  and display of products developed by them. 19 stalls will be put up by Registered Organizations  of the National Trust. The Cultural Program includes a Yoga performance by PwIDDs, a Bihu dance, and a Patriotic dance by PwIDDs and other performances will be performed by 10 ROs during the Exhibition.
Dr. Shanti Auluck, Chairperson, Muskaan Parents Association, Delhi will speak on ‘Experience sharing on working with PwIDDs. In addition, 2 working PwIDDs will share their experience during the exhibition.
Ministry of Railways
Railways dismisses media report of Railways Under-Serving Gencos located far from mines for better figures of loading
SECR has made all round efforts to increase its loading despite constraint of wagon shortage, says Railway Ministry
Ministry of Railways has clarified that the report of Railways Under-Serving Gencos located far from mines for better figures of loading on 24.01.2022 in Times of India is far from reality. The compliance of loading/dispatch plan issued as per Sub-Group Meeting of Power Ministry on 18.01.2022 to these power houses is as under:
Amravati : 80%
Nabha : 40% - Due to Fog & accident on MTJ-TKD Section. Talwandi Sabo : 60% - Due to Fog & accident on MTJ-TKD Section. SECR’s over all compliance  : 65%
All the above three power houses do not have facilities to handle BOBRN. Average lead of South East Central Railway  zone in current financial year is 553 KM so far as against 472 KM last year. Originating NTKM of December 2021  are better by 23% over NTKM of December 2020  against an increase in loading of 18% in Million Tonnes terms.
There has been upsurge in demand resulting in global shortage of wagons. However, SECR has made all round efforts to increase its loading despite the constraint of wagon shortage.
Some of these are:
 Number of Ineffective wagons reduced from 1049  to 481 .
 %age release  is now 93% as against 87% in Dec’21.
 Goods Loco outage increased on sustained basis from 298  to 306 .
 Average Terminal detentions reduced from 11.34 Hrs. to 10.09 Hrs.
 Wagon Turn Round reduced to 2.12 days in the month of Jan’22 as compared to 2.30 days in Dec’21.
 Wagon Examination Time reduced to 3.30 hrs. in the month of Jan’22 as compared to
4.01 hrs. last year.
However, we may further increase their dispatches and serve these power houses better, if we get support in terms of more empties.
RKJ/M
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Ministry of Earth Sciences
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, lightning activity have shown increasing trend over India in past two decades
North-East, East and parts of peninsular India have registered a sharp increase of lighting over the past 2 decades
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today informed the Lok Sabha that mobile app called “Damini” lightning app has been developed to monitor lightning activities in the skies.
In reply to a question, the Minister further elaborated that the lightning activities have shown an increasing trend all over India and the purpose of this app is to monitor all lightning activities, specifically for India and alerts the person if lightning is happening near the person by GPS notification, in the distance under 20 kms and 40 kms radius. Detailed description of instructions and precautions is provided in the app, while in the lightning prone area.
As per recent studies, parts of Indian peninsula, particularly Northeast and East, have registered a sharp increase of lighting over the past two decades. The increase is minimal over Central India and moderate over the rest of the country.
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology , Pune, an autonomous research and development institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences , has established a lightning location network strategically installed at 83 places in the country to detect and locate lightning strikes with utmost accuracy. Central processor of this network, located at IITM, receives and processes the signal received from the network and identifies the location of lightning strikes with less than 500 m accuracy. The output from this network is shared with India Meteorological Department  and various State Government and is used for nowcasting purposes.
From the National Weather Forecasting Centre, these forecasts and warnings are given in meteorological sub-divisional scale whereas State Meteorological Centres issue the same in district level. In addition to that, thunderstorms and associated disastrous weather phenomena are covered by nowcast  in the location/district level by State Meteorological Centres. At present this facility is extended to all the districts and for about 1084 stations across the country.
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SNC/TM.RR
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Ministry of Defence
Army Nursing students urged to develop skill and right attitude to meet the future challenges
Lt General Ashok Jindal, Commandant, Army Hospital , New Delhi today urged the Nursing students to develop skill and right attitude to meet the future challenges of nursing profession. He was addressing the nursing students of College of Nursing on the occasion of Lamp lighting ceremony of IX Batch held on February 2023 at Army Hospital . The event witnessed the commencement of the professional journey of 30 nursing students.
Lt General Ashok Jindal and Maj Gen Smita Devrani, Additional Director General Military Nursing Service , lit the traditional lamp held in reverence of Florence Nightingale, the Lady with the Lamp. ADGMNS administered the Nurse’s Pledge to the students who committed themselves to the noble profession of Nursing.
Lamp lighting ceremony is an auspicious occasion in professional life of every nursing officer. It is held in reverence to Florence Nightingale, Founder of Modern Nursing.
SR/Nampi/GC
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri V. Narayanasamy meets Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan
Chief Minister of Puducherry to provide detailed proposal for distribution of food grains through PDS in next 15 days to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & PD
The Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri V. Narayanasamy today met with the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. The Puducherry Chief Minister explained that due to drought in the Union Territory  from the past 2 years and various other factors, the Public Distribution Scheme  model is more appropriate for the U.T. as compared to the Direct Benefit Transfer  model and requested that the U.T. be allowed to procure rice locally from the farmers directly.
Shri Narayanasamy requested the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan to allow procurement of 80,000 tonnes of Paddy locally from the farmers out of which 48,000 tonnes of Rice can be extracted. The National Food Security Act requirement of Puducherry is 45,000 tonnes. He also demanded that Single boiled Rice should be provided through the Public Distribution Scheme.
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan gave in principal approval to the demands of the Chief Minister of Puducherry but requested him to ensure that the beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act are provided their due share in a fair and transparent manner. Shri Paswan stressed that PDS shops should be accurately tagged with the beneficiaries, proper transportation should be arranged for taking the procured rice to the PDS shops, checks should be kept on PDS shops with regular inspections and any malpractice should be immediately reported.
This move is likely to reduce the costs involved with procurement and transportation of Rice from other states as the U.T. will be able to procure the required rice locally and also ensure that the local farmers are able to get the Minimum Selling Price  for their produce. The Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri V. Narayanasamy assured the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan that a detailed proposal in this regard will be given to the Ministry within 15 days.
Prime Minister's Office
PM Elaborates ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Through Consolidation of Systems and Processes
‘Minimum Government-Maximum Governance’ is Taking Shape in Nationwide Integrated Services
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the first-ever driverless Metro operations today also launched the expansion of National Common Mobility Card to the Airport Express Line of Delhi Metro. The card was started in Ahmedabad last year. During the launch Shri Modi dwelled on a very critical aspect of his mantra of ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ i.e. integrations of systems and processes to strengthen the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’.
The Prime Minister said that providing the same standards and facilities for modernization is very important. The Common Mobility Card at the national level is a major step in this direction. This one card will give integrated access to the commuters wherever they travel, whichever public transport they take.
Taking the example of the Common Mobility Card further, the Prime Minister dwelled on the process of consolidating all the systems and processes to improve ‘ease of living’. Through such consolidation of systems, the strength of the country is being harnessed in a more coordinated and efficient way. “Like One Nation, One Mobility Card, our government has done many things in the past years to integrate the systems of the country,” Shri Modi said.
One Nation, One Fastag has made travel seamless on highways across the country. This has saved commuters from jam and delays. One Nation, One Tax i.e. GST has ended the complications in the tax system and has brought uniformity in indirect tax system. One Nation, One Power Grid, is ensuring adequate and continuous power availability in every part of the country. Power loss is reduced.
With One Nation, One Gas Grid, Seamless Gas Connectivity is being ensured of the parts where gas-based life and economy used to be a dream earlier. One Nation, One Health Insurance Scheme i.e. Ayushman Bharat through which millions of people from India are taking advantage anywhere in the country. Citizens moving from one place to another have got freedom from the trouble of making new ration cards through One Nation, One Ration Card, Similarly, the country is moving in the direction of One Nation, One Agriculture Market due to new agricultural reforms and arrangements like e-NAM.
Ministry of Defence
PRESIDENT CONFERS MENTION-IN-DISPATCHES ON WING COMMANDER ABHISHEK PUJARI  AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER 
EMBARGO : NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/
OR USED ON SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE 15 AUG 22, 0001 HRS
Wing Commander Abhishek Pujari  Aeronautical Engineer  is on the posted strength of a C-17 Transport Squadron with effect from 20 August 2018 as an Engineering Officer.
On 16 Aug 21, as part of Operation Devi Shakti, the officer was detailed as Maintenance Team Leader of the C-17 aircraft tasked for the evacuation of Indian Embassy staff and diaspora from Kabul in the face of Taliban's then imminent takeover. The officer had also been a part of previous evacuations from Khandhar and Mazar-e-Sharif and effectively used this valuable experience for the meticulous planning of the first evacuation mission from Kabul.
Owing to the hostile environment in which the aircraft was going to operate, the missions were highly critical and mandated with stipulated time frames. Hence, the officer utilized his experience to carry with him spares that could be critical for temporary repairs in case of damage to structure due to bullet hits/ FOD . The officer ensured preparedness of aircraft in time resulting in timely launch from home base. After landing at Kabul, the officer initiated a quick turnaround servicing in a hostile environment to ensure that the aircraft was ready for departure as soon as possible. He efficiently managed his team to achieve the task in an expeditious manner. In spite of an existing hostile ground situation, the officer undertook all maintenance activities which were to be conducted from outside the aircraft, without concern for his own safety. Towards this he carried out a detailed brief of the maintenance crew which included aspects relating to safety and security of both the aircraft and personnel involved in the various servicing activities. Under his supervision the aircraft was prepared for boarding and seating of the embassy personnel and staff including ITBP personnel, in shortest possible time, in hostile environment.
For his exceptional devotion to duty, Wing Commander Abhisek Pujari is awarded Mention-in-Despatches.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to Earthquake in Turkey
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey.
In response to a tweet by the President of Turkey, the Prime Minister said;
"Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy."
Prime Minister's Office
PM holds talks with President Mariano Rajoy in Madrid. Seven agreements exchanged between India and Spain
PM holds talks with President Mariano Rajoy in Madrid. Seven agreements exchanged between India and Spain
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today held talks with the President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, in Madrid.
During his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said that today's talks will go a long way in furthering ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister said that in an interconnected and interdependent world - Spain and India can work together both for mutual benefit, and for the benefit of the world at large. He described President Rajoy as a visionary leader.
The Prime Minister said India and Spain have both faced the scourge of terrorism, and will both focus on fighting it.
The Prime Minister said both India and Spain are engaging in vigorous economic reform. He said there is immense scope for cooperation in infrastructure, railways and smart cities.
The Prime Minister said that the vision of "New India" will be enhanced through the "New Momentum" in relations between India and Spain.
Seven agreements were exchanged between the two countries, covering subjects such as energy, security and civil aviation.
Prime Minister Modi later met with Spanish CEOs. He said during the meeting that there is immense potential for further growth of Spanish investments in India. He mentioned in particular, sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, food processing, auto, chemicals and textiles. He invited Spanish participation in the Smart Cities initiative. He also gave a broad overview of the economic reforms undertaken in India, including GST. He asserted that initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Start up India have become global magnets for investment.
The Prime Minister also called on His Majesty King Felipe VI.